By Zainab Shafiq 
David Warner has earmarked winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas as the ideal swansong to his international career. He is currently focusing on helping propel Sydney Thunder back into top spot during the second half of the KFC BBL|12 season.
Warner will re-launch his Big Bash career against the Perth Scorchers at Sydney Showground Stadium on Friday night. This will be his first appearance in the competition in nine years. Australia’s superstar all-format opener signed a two-year deal with the Thunder in August to return to the tournament for the first time since December 2013.
Although his availability next summer may be limited due to a three-Test series against Pakistan in December-January and two-Tests against the West Indies in January 2024. He is one of five Australia Test stars set to return to the Big Bash over the weekend, joining Adelaide Strikers duo Travis Head and Alex Carey who will play against the Brisbane Heat on Saturday night and Sydney Sixers pair Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon who will also make their first appearances of the season against the Scorchers in Sunday night.
It was a tough BBL return for Heat trio Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Matthew Renshaw as they were soundly beaten by reigning champions the Scorchers at the Gabba last night. Warner quipped to reporters this afternoon, “I didn’t actually see much of last night, I saw the strike rates though,” Warner quipped to reporters this afternoon. “Hopefully I can improve on those strike rates … but it looked a little bit of a tricky surface so those guys will bounce back.”
The 36-year-old said his goal for his five-game stint in BBL|12 is to put in some good performances to help get the team to the top of the ladder. “We’re fourth at the moment, so the guys have been playing well. We’ve had some injuries and if I can contribute in any way, it’d be awesome,” he said.
Warner’s international future has been a hot topic this summer, and he again flagged the next 12 months could be his last for Australia. “I’ve signed (with the Thunder) for this year and next year, and it’s my time to contribute and give back,” Warner said. “I’ve got that time to do that now … (this will) most likely be my last year of my international career. I’ve got my sights set on the 2024 (T20) World Cup as well, so finishing in the Americas, that’d be nice to top it off with a win over there, pending selection.”
What is Steve Smith’s plan to retire from cricket?
Warner’s Thunder teammate Steve Smith, also addressed his T20 international future after playing just one game during Australia’s home World Cup campaign last year after being squeezed out of the side by Hurricanes power-hitter Tim David. He stated, “I haven’t given much thought to my T20 international future.”
In conclusion, Warner’s focus is on helping the Sydney Thunder secure the top spot in the KFC BBL|12 season while also eyeing the 2024 T20 World Cup as a possible end to his international career. He is one of five Australia Test stars set to return to the Big Bash over the weekend, with the goal of putting in good performances and helping their teams to the top of the ladder.
Anas Ahmed